Massachusetts' lawmakers approve transportation funds

|
8/9/2004

The
Massachusetts Legislature has approved a measure authorizing numerous traffic,
road and transit projects in the state – though Gov. Mitt Romney must give the
projects a thumbs up before any money can be spent.

The
transportation bond bill was one of the final items approved by lawmakers as
they wrapped up work July 31 on the legislative calendar.

In
the bill, sometimes referred to as a legislative “wish list,” House and Senate
lawmakers prioritize which projects they want funded. It is then up to the
governor to authorize borrowing for the work, and it can take years for
projects included in a bond authorization to receive funding.

The
measure, which would authorize the state to borrow $2.5 billion, earmarks funds
for several projects in Boston’s western suburbs, including $500,000 for road
improvements and $475,000 to continue two public bus routes, The Boston
Globe reported.

It
also calls for $5 million to build sound barriers along the Massachusetts
Turnpike between state Route 128 and Interstate 495, and for the state Highway
Department and the Turnpike Authority to develop plans to reduce highway noise
for communities near major thoroughfares by December.

In
addition, the bill calls for an $80,000 redevelopment plan of the former West
Stockbridge truck plaza site on 14 acres on state Route 102 near the turnpike.
The project would authorize a study of viable commercial/industrial uses of the
site, site appraisal and conceptual designs for development.